Flat rate pushed me to get better at diagnostics and start my path to own my own shop. Its so bad that it breeds in techs that cut corners to make the rate you need. Learn electrical and scope to make diagnostics super easy. Thanks for the video.
12 years as a dealer technician, and I can say with 100% confidence that the highest paid techs in dealerships are the ones who climb up the owner’s ass the minute he gets to the store. I’ve quit wrenching and I’m going to college now to become a physicist. F working on cars, the industry killed my passion for it.
I agree with you totally. I have seen lazy, back stabbing, useless pieces of shit climb up the owner’s ass and the supervisors, management, HR etc. Those are the one's that are untouchable, and never get fired or laidoff permanantly.They don't their ass from a hole in the ground are not qualified to be at the company, they need to be baby sat. I have seen it retail,and manufacturing.
I think aviation should be brought up in this conversation. Coming to Aircraft from doing small diesel and automotive, its a night and day with how much more I'm supported as a mechanic, how clean I am when I get home most days, the pay I get as well as benefits, I do not think you can beat it. Some aircraft mechanics or A&P's make up to 350k with contracts or private/ business. While I work commercial and most commercial Aircraft Mechanic jobs top out at 68-75 an hour around the 5 year mark. Great video!
I just made a video for you guys in avi. If you have some time please make some comments on the video to help provide any information you feel is valuable. uploading it now.
Hey I am an automotive technician and have been for 2 years now just got my degree. I would say I learn very fast and have always wondered how I could get into the aviation mechanics? Any help will do. Thanks.
@@iAquaRaG3 Honestly if you are a competent automotive tech, then youll do really well in avi! Its the same thought process applied a little differently. I would just look into local A&P schools near you, really doesnt matter where you go to school we are hurting for mechanics!
$20 an hour is getting close to burger flipping wages. One thing most people do not know about flat rate, $60 an hour sounds great until you stretch out the time a lot. For the same job, maybe one out of 10 times?? let say you pull a cylinder head, you are going to snap a bolt , below the surface and you will spend all those extra times to get it out. Flat rate encourage rushing and mistakes, that is why it is not used for airplanes. Those mechanics work at glacial paces, and that is what pilots like. You cannot do as much damage with a truck.
Yes, 20 is a very poor entry level wage, really its more like $15-18. School only helps get into the door but not with wages. I saw working for others as a steppingstone myself. I believe that things would only get better if hourly rates were $40+ an hr with strict % of worked versus billed requirements. The whole of wrenching on anything would be benefitted from the abolishment of the flat rate system. It is not a moral metric to count money you stole as honest billable time. I also agree that it absolutely incentivizes speed over all things. To error is human and it's going to happen more in a rush than not. The customer deserves a solid repair for an expensive hourly rate. We skilled tradesmen need to help train the next generation in order to move them through the pay scale quicker and keep them around. The problem is all the older blue collar trades guys have ever seen is the the train you to replace me model. No value for the knowledge unless you gatekeep it.
Great positive video. Flat rate is a shady business. Not for the reasons you state. There is potential for quick, low quality work, but they are not joined at the hip. You can also have quick, stellar work. The shadiness is not paying a tech for his work because there is a maximum warranty charge of 0.5hr to diagnose something that nobody has ever seen. And guess what, you can’t fix it because it is a software fault. Or, put it back together (for free) because the part is now floating on a pirate controlled ship in the open sea.
I thank you for making this video, its definitely helped out with the reality of things as im nearly 9 months in working at a auto shop, and ive been playing to push further later in life
Thank you for your comment brother. If I can help in any way please feel free to reach out. testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com. I want everyone paid the most possible. But my primary goal is education and the blue collar guy getting a fair shake.
Man i just came across the channel, this is the first video ive seen. So much of what you said about why you're a tech and what it takes to be good and what level of work you should be putting out resinates with me. As a tech who loves to really figure out the "why" and wanna be the guy they "send home last".. i can say that you are now a trusted source of good information in my book. Ill be checking out your other content 👊
Thanks for the love brother. I am you and your me in so many ways. We blue collar fellas all share far more than the things that divide us. I'm here for you brother.
I could not be more bothered by any other aspect of this trade. It's not the work, it is the meager share of the money from our own work. Brain, box, body for 10% of what we handle alone daily?
I do heavy commercial HVAC as a mechanic. I do pretty damn well. Pay with pension & health care puts me at about 135k a year with standard 40hr work week. Doesn't count vacation, holiday pay, other fringe benefits such as the tools(company owns most tools), company vehicle, etc..
So refrigerated units or in the building? That is damn good money. Without counting benefits what the take. Only if your comfortable sharing. I like that a/c theory of operation is the same on everything with HVAC system that use certain refrigerants. And possibly all. I am firmilar with auto application only. Where do you live?
@@americandieselllc I work mainly on chilled water systems. This is in North Texas. I do specialize in electronics & electrical. Mainly VFD’s including Medium Voltage VFD’s. I do enjoy what I do, as it keeps my mind occupied with troubleshooting.
I agree flat can be bad I work flat rate on my whole life. I made decent money and I didn’t screw anybody but you need to get a decent hourly rate $25 an hour doesn’t cut it. I left dealerships and went on my own. you’re still flat rate, no matter how you look at it dealers like flat rate because it’s not an expense for them dealers I believe on other hand should be paying an hourly rate a minimum of 1/3 the door rate plus Benny’s I am now retired and do Marine work as a side hustle people love to spend money on their boats. Not so much on their cars. Most people are leasing these days mechanic making 25 is a joke for what they go through.
Making $48/hr as a top diesel tech at my shop/company at just under 9 years experience in the industry. I started at $18/hr. Put in the effort and the reward will come. Some days I hardly get dirty. Aftertreatment, electrical and vehicle performance is where it's at. BTW, great vid. Really makes me wonder what I could make doing it all on my own...
I really appreciate the encouraging words for future master diesel techs. There definitely comes a time if you invest in mastery of your trade that your value is of knowledge in problem solving becomes of far more value that having to do all the grunt work. If you are comfortable with it, can you share the hourly labor rate where you work?
What reward?I made four million last year with eight employees doing pest control.dont know how much that is per hour but it's way more than 48.00 LoL.
I don't have an issue with a flat rate as a customer because I know what I'm going to be spending. Most customers like up front pricing. The issue I have is when it takes longer or the mechanic screws something up, and wants to charge me for it.
Flat rate guys will screw the same thing up and stay hush-hush about it so they aren't working for free. Not all of them, of course, but once you get into the game, it's easy to get into the lazy mindset of less work for more money. I work in the rust belt as an hourly tech and get comebacks from flat rate guys at my shop, i just have to wonder where tf they dumped all the leftover bolts on their way home.
Totally agree with flat rate, so many people I work with seem to think it's the greatest thing ever when they get a job done in 2 hours while billing the customer the full 3 or 4, or whatever. It always put a bad taste in my mouth because as you put it it's just straight up theft of the customers money. The customer is paying for your labor, and for the people that say "Well I am paid for my experience, that's why I still bill the customer those hours", then change your hourly rate so it reflects your experience. 😁
That is really the answer. Raise the rates and give mechanics a real incentive to do quality work. We need higher pay for one of the highest skilled trades.
Of course flat rate is a bad idea, but the industry is broken, and the problem with making an experienced tech get paid less because they do it faster is wrong. The more you know the less you make.
Skilled and seasoned technicians are 100% vital to the industry. I believe the problem lies in base pay or hourly being so little a share of the complex work mechanics often find themselves doing. hourly should start at 30 and end about 55. I think everyone would leave the flat rate shop holding their Ds.
I am creating a digital product. But for now I will making many more free videos to assist in the electrical specialist or DIYer. I have videos I will be uploading today . The intro as well as 1,2, and three wire sensors. Thank you for commenting and I will have a product that I will have for sale later that will be a start to finish on how to be an electrician specialist. I will also be building a free diesel school for my local community that will benefit a lot of people. Stay tuned and thank again for the interaction
Sounds great to me. So, I’ve made a decision to start building the equipment in my electrical repair tool box. So far I have a power probe 4 master kit, sometime this month I’ll get the fluke 233 multimeter. That’s all I have so far😂. I have a truck and trailer that I want to start learning on, maybe at the end of my drive shift I’ll start poking things and hooking up the multimeter. I want to start with learning the battery, alternator and starter. I want to get a deep understanding of each component using the 2 tools I have. So any videos you can create about the who, what, why, where and how of each of these components would be gold to me.
65k is the minimum wage for california right now (always double minimum wage). Considering california makes a big bulk of the technician jobs its safe to say that 62k is NOT top 10%. those statistics are including a lot of lower level technician positions which are not reflective of the bumper to bumper technician who is required to own his own tools. But you are correct, you can make a lot more money on the side and opening up your own business potentially.
You are correct Sir, I was using nation averages across the board. I know many Techs who do over 125k. When you pay 2300 for rent or mortgage it doesn't seem to matter much. I'm from Sacramento you can easily pay 1200 for a butthole of an apartment. California cant really be included in the curve do to cost of living in my opinion. I do think the most up to date techs come from Californis due to lack of instruction being required for emissison training courses in Cali. they were not mandatory for non Ca techs for many years. the top paying average is still at least 10k below 6 figures vs doing your own at well over 120k. Just my thought. thank you very much for your comment.
I did everything bumper-to-bumper for 40 years. I’m very skilled at what I do very good at what I do. My comeback rate is under 5% and the juicy is not Doodoo something I created the only way to make real good money in this business is to go on your own, don’t stay at any dealership longer than five years work a few years for an independent and then go out in your own. You’ll never regret it if you’re good, this business isn’t for everybody.
Flat rate is for suckers in this day and age. Going on 16 years experience and I don’t get flat rate. I was gonna quit my current job one month in @ flat rate. They switched me to hourly w/OT while everyone is locked in at flat rate. I don’t know why techs take the crappy end of the stick when you are the one that possesses the skill for the trade. Know your worth!
Bro you have to make more videos I’m 32 and bout to get into the field I’m trying to get top pay a soon as possible not scared to put in the work I need guidance
Trust me brother. I'm going to be posting content like crazy. I want to give you every advantage I can. I will be finishing a master class in diesel diag and electrical troubleshooting and I will have a lot more content on how to specialize and what you have to know to do be in a position to be invaluable. Keep an eye on the channel brother. I here to help in any way I can.
@@iswinguillen8159what field did you choose and how are you getting your training? I also wanna start out in diesel tech field but I don't know how. Did you join an apprentice program or did you join a school?
@iswinguillen8159 if you want the highest pays usually are the mechanics that fix semi truck and tractors. FedEx and ups pay very good. I will go to transit buses in my city Houston. I think is more benefits and less physical work
I got hired 2 months ago as a fleet mechanic for the largest personal transportation in SWFL. I got hired at $27/hr, base pay for my position is $25. Before this job I had no formal experience in HDD but 3.5 years in auto. Mostly European/Domestic/JDM
Flat rate needs to be 50% of shop rate (like it used to) and the times used to be ok, now ridiculous (and manufacturers wont tell you how they arrived at those times) until then the mechanic shortage will get much worse.
I’m an apprentice rn. Told my boss I’m shifting down to part time at my shop to go to engineering school. I feel like this industry just isn’t worth the struggle.
Flat rate only gets profit with experience. Rookie mechanics aren't beating the book time. 3 hour fuel pumps might take a rookie 4 hours and only get paid 3. Flat rate mechanics also don't get paid for comebacks. So we make sure to fix it right the first time.
I understand the comment. However I think it could all be fixed if we got paid - 65$ an hour at 87% billable and do away with flate rate drama. Shop are billing 250 an hour in Denver. Even if a pump takes 4 to be done right. It should pay the tech well to do the repair well, not fast. Fast is never the best. Also service departments to a trash job on customer pay and wty to recoup the Technician/Mechanics labor invested in a solid repair. That's because the only one who knows about trucks is not in the office and often not able to speak to customers. Many issues affect the trades. Flat rate should be done away with. Also, why is the customer paying for labor you didn't use? That has always been a question. Thank you for your comment and for your perspective.
@americandieselllc2966 yes I hate flat rate too but it is based all on book time. I did quit flat rate when the economy crashed. 2010 honest flat rate techs couldn't make a living. Waiting for work to come through the door paid zero.
You don't see things like this forcing inflation. If everyone makes 150k a happy meal is going to be $25. The world has gone crazy. @@americandieselllc
Interesting point of flat rate. We’ve had guys come here for plumbing, they stretch the time to run the bills up. We’ve had other tradesman charge us 160 just to change a part in 15 minutes which is a lot but at least we know the job was done right. At least be honest with us
I will be doing a live steam and building content into a course. You welcome to text 719 580 5712 and we can schedule a no cost conversation about your goals in the field. and I can give you the direction you need to not spin your wheels. skills equal money but some skills equal more money.
I am posting more about how to diagnose sensors. I would be happy to teach on any subject about diesel or electrical. Let me know what would be most helpful.
If you send your email to me I have some stuff I can make available for you. No cost. It is good material but not edited well. I will have something else that is comprehensive and polished and I'm sure we can work out a way to get you thru the course. Only you can gain the information to have the $$$$ choices available.
In 2020 I used to work at kw making shit and had to quit over a drug test then from there on I ended up hitting up everyone I could to look for side work and finally got some traction and customers and now I’m doing 40k a month on a good month. Never in the last 10 years did I think I could be making that a month on my way own but when you really want to do something you will do it. I hope someone reads this and starts there own ventures. It’s very possible if you hustle. Also make sure you have a good Google listing 👍🏽
@@phillippeterson9527 your welcome to email testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com . it may take a few minutes to line you out. I can make some video about that as well.
Put yourself on Google. Create ad campaigns. Hire someone if you don’t feel like learning how to do it. And take any job you can get cause that’s how you learn.
@@Joseph-wc7sx you don't learn on the customers dime. That never works out. Stick to what you do well and you will see huge gains. Spread yourself too thin and it will be a much different start.
Fleet isn't that bad, you get paid for every hour your there plus you get overtime, steady work, there's some fleet guys making 100k. Plus benefits paid vacation and advancement if you get in with a good company
I have a video highest paid mechanics. I actually love working for a fleet. I'm a Marine and that is where I started and first student school bus company. It is nice to hear that some guys are making that. I don't think the pay represents what the fleet mechanic saves the company by doing sometimes, major work in house. Instead of paying the dealership to take those jobs. I think fleets don't spend the money for shop tools and are mechanics are often buying tools the shop should own. Often fleet management gets bonuses off of what they didn't spend on the shop. Thank you very much for you insight and comment. And fleets are a great place to learn without the pressure of people keeping "secrets" from less experienced guys.
ORGANIZE!!!or stop whining about flat rates or whatever.if every tech walks out of every dealership tomorrow they could almost name their pay.wouldnt be hard to ORGANIZE either with Facebook and social media connecting everyone.is their not a auto mechanics union or something to join.ORGANIZE! they'll tell one person whining about pay to hit the road but they can't tell all of them that.theres power in numbers.ORGANIZE!!or you'll always get what you've always got.
This channel is an attempt to empower others by having them see the value they have when skilled. I could not agree more that organizations would help. But knowing personal value does not include a team backing you. Skills speak for themselves and good people have the option to leave and won't have to go long without a smart employer to see the value. I push people to work for themselves because then at least you're in control of your own success or failure. Any business model in the modern time is a clear use of your skills and a small cut to you for doing most of the work. And I would say that speaking on a topic is not whining.
I don't know if that is solid across the board. I know that boat engine technician have a very good pay, per diem and benefits. Car mechanics working the flat rate hustle can make a bunch.
@@americandieselllc I spent 20 years in the marine industry. I worked for large and small organizations. Worked for one premier sportfishing yacht manufacturers in the US. I have many friends still in that field. Per hour wage is in my experience higher in automotive for a skilled technician.
Bro im a precision millwright. Im not the highest paid but up there. I live in south east ga for pay scale in area. I make 51 hr there are no auto mechanics thay work for a company making what i make out here. We are the highest paid mechanical teade, and one of the highest paid trades in the world. Look into it. All you young fellas learn to be a millwright we need you, and youll be in such high demand it wont be funny. I keave a job and get more money and new job in a day. Love current job will retire from here. Also a lot of pur guys end up running plants or mills the good ones anyway, and your looking at 200-300k in lower wage areas more in places like California and new york, but realistically who the fuck wants to live there with a trade that you can live anywhere you want.
That is an outright lie that people working flat rate are charging for work, not performed. You hired a plumber to come in and plumb your house, and and he said the job would cost $500 and he did it in a day and the job was done correctly and you agreed to it is that screwing somebody
No it is a fact. And flat rate is going to provide the worst quality so you get paid and on to the next. Flat reate repair are never done with quality in mind. The greatest regard is given to speed.
Flat rate system could be great. One of the problems is the shop takes to much of the hourly charge. Just because you can do a job faster does not mean you charge less. You had to learn the hard way and invest into tooling to be faster. Just because you are slower you don't get to charge more because you have not learned the hard way or invested into tooling to make you faster.
The shop rates should go up as well as the wages. Agreed. How do you charge an hourly labor rate and finish in two hours but charge him 4 hours. I understand the struggle to be good but you wage should dictate your worth. Not how many hours you can get the customer to pay for extra labor money for work not done. I think if the pay went up you would have many happy mechanics. Who wanted to deliver a good product and not be in a hurry up and sacrifice quality. I respect flat rate mechanics ability to adapt and survive. But the bottom line is higher shop rates and higher wages for the industry.
@americandieselllc2966 The other question is, how can you charge him for 6 hours when the job should take 4 hours. Should the customer pay you to learn? How would you quote a job if you charge by the hour, not the flat rate? Going to an hourly system would benefit the mechanic a lot, which shops and customers would protest.
@@davekohler5957 SRT is used for estimates. Standard repair times. It may vary a bit but in diesel truck industry it is all pretty standard repair times. . For example it should be a 6 hour job to remove and rebuild any Horton fan hub. 3 hrs to remove and replace. If the guy is done early then we do the job for what it took. And the customers returns because you didn't need the whole amount on the estimate and you did him a solid.
I'm fresh less than a year out of school AMT making 35 an hour, with a 15% pay bump on the horizon. Avionics technicians make 6 figures, they're up there at the top with elevator techs. The average age of an airframe and powerplant certified mechanic is mid 50's. They're hurting for people bad so pay has really gone up fast and those figures probably haven't caught up yet.@@americandieselllc
Geat job brother! I just looked online for the averages, and I have known about elevator techs for some time. What is the buy in $ up front? schools, tools and additional cost to be making 35 an hour? if you dont mind my asking.@@Steinerrides
24 is a great age to start. I would prefer to hire a 24 year old over a younger guy. If you have an interest in this career than the time you spend on your skills will be of high value. So many people have left the trades that whoever stay will be a paid guy. My recommendation is to specialize in electrical and Diagnostics.
Your way way way off base on flat rate there is a book and estimated time if you will you should be pretty close to book time when you do a job if I’m a manager and I give someone a four hour job and it’s done in an hour I’m gonna ask a few questionsand I’m definitely going to check the car out
The fact is that the shop mechs don't determine the jobs and usually it's one flate rate tech getting fed the money and every other guy isn't. Managers are the people responsible for any profiting business. In the trades one of the least technically sound people in the shop is usually in charge of profitability of the shop.
Your view of Flat rate vs hourly is skewed because you are in the heavy diesel field. There is almost zero flat-rate in that field. You say an hourly guy has to have a certain efficiency rating. Where does this number come from? Who decides how long a job should take? With flat rate, the book sets the time. A 5 hour job in SC is a 5 hour labor time job in California if using reputable labor guide. Around 15 minute mark you mention basically whether the tech has ethics. Educate yourself to KNOW how to perform a quality repair. The pay plan has nothing to do with that. Either you are honest or a crook. Having said all the above, I prefer a salary. Last @ $1200 week for 40ish hours. While I was fully capable of doing bumper-to-bumper repair, frequently ended up being the diag guy. I like doing that work tho. Retired Mar 2020.
I see several jobs offering a flat rate pay for diesel on indeed and I have heard far more of it in the last 4 years since you retired. You are right that this was not the case for the longest time in hd diesel. The metric for efficiency is spoken about on almost every video. hours worked vs hours billed equals efficiency. The pay or keeping your job will depend on the quality of repair. as well as raises. Lastly, I really hope you enjoy your retirement my friend. I know that if you were a wrench that you definitely earned every bit. Well done brother.
Technician for 35 years now and have worked on everything from cars, trucks, boats, RV, powersports, heavy equipment, ect, I have always been extremely good with electrical and diagnostics, I have recently in the past year been handed over twenty Tesla cars and have figured out every aspect of these cars and I really enjoy working on them, I want to go on my own as an electrical and diagnostic specialist. I think the future is in electrical for every kind of vehicle, has been for a long time now, and I think that if guys are looking for a place to specialize in then you really need to master electrical and data communication within the vehicles, I see that most guys out there really struggle with electrical because they don't understand it and are afraid of it, really it is the simplest aspect to master if you put you mind to it.
Like and subscribe the channel for more. I want other guys to keep hearing comments like these. Being a specialist in electrical systems is always a challenge and something new every day. But the process to troubleshoot is always the same. I hope to be helpful to those guys up and coming to see that analytical minds have a big place in the shops of the future.
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Flat rate pushed me to get better at diagnostics and start my path to own my own shop. Its so bad that it breeds in techs that cut corners to make the rate you need. Learn electrical and scope to make diagnostics super easy. Thanks for the video.
12 years as a dealer technician, and I can say with 100% confidence that the highest paid techs in dealerships are the ones who climb up the owner’s ass the minute he gets to the store.
I’ve quit wrenching and I’m going to college now to become a physicist. F working on cars, the industry killed my passion for it.
Damn 12 years later ? How long will it take to get your degree
I understand completely. I have seen way to much of this favoritism in automotive. Diesel from what I have seen is your worth what you bring in.
I agree with you totally. I have seen lazy, back stabbing, useless pieces of shit climb up the owner’s ass and the supervisors, management, HR etc. Those are the one's that are untouchable, and never get fired or laidoff permanantly.They don't their ass from a hole in the ground are not qualified to be at the company, they need to be baby sat. I have seen it retail,and manufacturing.
I think aviation should be brought up in this conversation. Coming to Aircraft from doing small diesel and automotive, its a night and day with how much more I'm supported as a mechanic, how clean I am when I get home most days, the pay I get as well as benefits, I do not think you can beat it. Some aircraft mechanics or A&P's make up to 350k with contracts or private/ business. While I work commercial and most commercial Aircraft Mechanic jobs top out at 68-75 an hour around the 5 year mark. Great video!
I just made a video for you guys in avi. If you have some time please make some comments on the video to help provide any information you feel is valuable. uploading it now.
Will do! Have a good one!@@americandieselllc
Hey I am an automotive technician and have been for 2 years now just got my degree. I would say I learn very fast and have always wondered how I could get into the aviation mechanics? Any help will do. Thanks.
@@iAquaRaG3 Honestly if you are a competent automotive tech, then youll do really well in avi! Its the same thought process applied a little differently. I would just look into local A&P schools near you, really doesnt matter where you go to school we are hurting for mechanics!
@@iAquaRaG3 you need to get an Airframe and power plant license, it’s about two years of school
$20 an hour is getting close to burger flipping wages. One thing most people do not know about flat rate, $60 an hour sounds great until you stretch out the time a lot. For the same job, maybe one out of 10 times?? let say you pull a cylinder head, you are going to snap a bolt , below the surface and you will spend all those extra times to get it out. Flat rate encourage rushing and mistakes, that is why it is not used for airplanes. Those mechanics work at glacial paces, and that is what pilots like. You cannot do as much damage with a truck.
Yes, 20 is a very poor entry level wage, really its more like $15-18. School only helps get into the door but not with wages. I saw working for others as a steppingstone myself. I believe that things would only get better if hourly rates were $40+ an hr with strict % of worked versus billed requirements. The whole of wrenching on anything would be benefitted from the abolishment of the flat rate system. It is not a moral metric to count money you stole as honest billable time. I also agree that it absolutely incentivizes speed over all things. To error is human and it's going to happen more in a rush than not. The customer deserves a solid repair for an expensive hourly rate. We skilled tradesmen need to help train the next generation in order to move them through the pay scale quicker and keep them around. The problem is all the older blue collar trades guys have ever seen is the the train you to replace me model. No value for the knowledge unless you gatekeep it.
Public Transit Authorities probably pay the most when you factor in medical, dental and pension.
Great positive video. Flat rate is a shady business. Not for the reasons you state. There is potential for quick, low quality work, but they are not joined at the hip. You can also have quick, stellar work. The shadiness is not paying a tech for his work because there is a maximum warranty charge of 0.5hr to diagnose something that nobody has ever seen. And guess what, you can’t fix it because it is a software fault. Or, put it back together (for free) because the part is now floating on a pirate controlled ship in the open sea.
I thank you for making this video, its definitely helped out with the reality of things as im nearly 9 months in working at a auto shop, and ive been playing to push further later in life
Thank you for your comment brother. If I can help in any way please feel free to reach out. testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com. I want everyone paid the most possible. But my primary goal is education and the blue collar guy getting a fair shake.
Forklift mechanics are another group. A lot of people aren’t even aware it’s a career until they get offered or start the job.
absolutely, forklifts are a vital piece of industrial equipment. thank you for the comment.
Man i just came across the channel, this is the first video ive seen. So much of what you said about why you're a tech and what it takes to be good and what level of work you should be putting out resinates with me. As a tech who loves to really figure out the "why" and wanna be the guy they "send home last".. i can say that you are now a trusted source of good information in my book. Ill be checking out your other content 👊
Thanks for the love brother. I am you and your me in so many ways. We blue collar fellas all share far more than the things that divide us. I'm here for you brother.
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Glad I found your channel great teachings!!
thank you brother.
I'm not a mechanic, but the authority with which you speak is inspiring.
Hey bro just wanted to send some support your way. Dope video! Super knowledgeable, staying tuned!
Thank you brother. Im very grateful for your support.
Very good video im starting the auto/ diesel program at uti also doing the dealer cummins and freightliner training keep the videos coming
Thank you for the comments. Training is the difference between technician and mechanics. Well done.
Same where you at in the course?
I have been making video about electrical for the intermediate level. what kind of content can I make for you fellas.
thank you for making this video. i been working for kw dealer trying to work my way up.
I will help in any way I can. What kinds of content can I create that would be helpful? I'm here for you guys. Thanks for the reply!
@@americandieselllc anything diagnostic related I struggle with it
Ur.vids help me so much !! Keep doing them thank u so much
I'm very grateful for that comment. I will be doing more videos brother. You are welcome.
❤Great Vid ! I See alot of great mechanic/technicians just get the bones! Crumbs SAD
I could not be more bothered by any other aspect of this trade. It's not the work, it is the meager share of the money from our own work. Brain, box, body for 10% of what we handle alone daily?
I do heavy commercial HVAC as a mechanic. I do pretty damn well. Pay with pension & health care puts me at about 135k a year with standard 40hr work week. Doesn't count vacation, holiday pay, other fringe benefits such as the tools(company owns most tools), company vehicle, etc..
So refrigerated units or in the building? That is damn good money. Without counting benefits what the take. Only if your comfortable sharing. I like that a/c theory of operation is the same on everything with HVAC system that use certain refrigerants. And possibly all. I am firmilar with auto application only. Where do you live?
@@americandieselllc I work mainly on chilled water systems. This is in North Texas. I do specialize in electronics & electrical. Mainly VFD’s including Medium Voltage VFD’s. I do enjoy what I do, as it keeps my mind occupied with troubleshooting.
awesome niche@@TBJK07Jeep. well done brother!
How many years to get there?
It could be done in a few years of focus on the right skills.@@phillippeterson9527
excellent video
I agree flat can be bad I work flat rate on my whole life. I made decent money and I didn’t screw anybody but you need to get a decent hourly rate $25 an hour doesn’t cut it. I left dealerships and went on my own. you’re still flat rate, no matter how you look at it dealers like flat rate because it’s not an expense for them dealers I believe on other hand should be paying an hourly rate a minimum of 1/3 the door rate plus Benny’s I am now retired and do Marine work as a side hustle people love to spend money on their boats. Not so much on their cars. Most people are leasing these days mechanic making 25 is a joke for what they go through.
Making $48/hr as a top diesel tech at my shop/company at just under 9 years experience in the industry. I started at $18/hr. Put in the effort and the reward will come. Some days I hardly get dirty. Aftertreatment, electrical and vehicle performance is where it's at. BTW, great vid. Really makes me wonder what I could make doing it all on my own...
I really appreciate the encouraging words for future master diesel techs. There definitely comes a time if you invest in mastery of your trade that your value is of knowledge in problem solving becomes of far more value that having to do all the grunt work. If you are comfortable with it, can you share the hourly labor rate where you work?
What reward?I made four million last year with eight employees doing pest control.dont know how much that is per hour but it's way more than 48.00 LoL.
@@billbonu1639great job for you brother!
Car mechanics make no money man it sucks, I like working on cars but it gets really annoying as a career. Going to switch
I will be posting a video tonight. check back in please. You bring up a point that I have been thinking about a lot lately.
I got a video up about cars vs diesel. Check it out and let me know if that helps.
I don't have an issue with a flat rate as a customer because I know what I'm going to be spending. Most customers like up front pricing. The issue I have is when it takes longer or the mechanic screws something up, and wants to charge me for it.
Flat rate guys will screw the same thing up and stay hush-hush about it so they aren't working for free. Not all of them, of course, but once you get into the game, it's easy to get into the lazy mindset of less work for more money. I work in the rust belt as an hourly tech and get comebacks from flat rate guys at my shop, i just have to wonder where tf they dumped all the leftover bolts on their way home.
Lol sell, sell, sell, you ok buy, buy, buy. But you really didn't need all that thanks for the money anyway.
Totally agree with flat rate, so many people I work with seem to think it's the greatest thing ever when they get a job done in 2 hours while billing the customer the full 3 or 4, or whatever. It always put a bad taste in my mouth because as you put it it's just straight up theft of the customers money.
The customer is paying for your labor, and for the people that say "Well I am paid for my experience, that's why I still bill the customer those hours", then change your hourly rate so it reflects your experience. 😁
Thank you!!
That is really the answer. Raise the rates and give mechanics a real incentive to do quality work. We need higher pay for one of the highest skilled trades.
Of course flat rate is a bad idea, but the industry is broken, and the problem with making an experienced tech get paid less because they do it faster is wrong. The more you know the less you make.
Skilled and seasoned technicians are 100% vital to the industry. I believe the problem lies in base pay or hourly being so little a share of the complex work mechanics often find themselves doing. hourly should start at 30 and end about 55. I think everyone would leave the flat rate shop holding their Ds.
Awesome information! Do you have any type of mentorship or training program? I’m looking to become a diesel mechanic this year.
I am creating a digital product. But for now I will making many more free videos to assist in the electrical specialist or DIYer. I have videos I will be uploading today . The intro as well as 1,2, and three wire sensors. Thank you for commenting and I will have a product that I will have for sale later that will be a start to finish on how to be an electrician specialist. I will also be building a free diesel school for my local community that will benefit a lot of people. Stay tuned and thank again for the interaction
Wow thanks for the reply. I look forward to the free videos and future electrical training classes.
I will be posting videos about how to diag circuits. what kind of content can I make for you?
Sounds great to me. So, I’ve made a decision to start building the equipment in my electrical repair tool box. So far I have a power probe 4 master kit, sometime this month I’ll get the fluke 233 multimeter. That’s all I have so far😂. I have a truck and trailer that I want to start learning on, maybe at the end of my drive shift I’ll start poking things and hooking up the multimeter.
I want to start with learning the battery, alternator and starter. I want to get a deep understanding of each component using the 2 tools I have. So any videos you can create about the who, what, why, where and how of each of these components would be gold to me.
email me to get you started. testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com
65k is the minimum wage for california right now (always double minimum wage). Considering california makes a big bulk of the technician jobs its safe to say that 62k is NOT top 10%. those statistics are including a lot of lower level technician positions which are not reflective of the bumper to bumper technician who is required to own his own tools. But you are correct, you can make a lot more money on the side and opening up your own business potentially.
You are correct Sir, I was using nation averages across the board. I know many Techs who do over 125k. When you pay 2300 for rent or mortgage it doesn't seem to matter much. I'm from Sacramento you can easily pay 1200 for a butthole of an apartment. California cant really be included in the curve do to cost of living in my opinion. I do think the most up to date techs come from Californis due to lack of instruction being required for emissison training courses in Cali. they were not mandatory for non Ca techs for many years. the top paying average is still at least 10k below 6 figures vs doing your own at well over 120k. Just my thought. thank you very much for your comment.
I did everything bumper-to-bumper for 40 years. I’m very skilled at what I do very good at what I do. My comeback rate is under 5% and the juicy is not Doodoo something I created the only way to make real good money in this business is to go on your own, don’t stay at any dealership longer than five years work a few years for an independent and then go out in your own. You’ll never regret it if you’re good, this business isn’t for everybody.
Love it!
Thanks brother, any content you want see, let me know.
Awesome man !
Thank you Adrian!!
GREAT INFO 😊
Thank you!
I work for a county bus company. Union shop. I made $20 26 years ago. There are many different paths in the field.
And what do you make 26 years later. If your comfortable saying. I agree that there are many different paths to succeed.
EPG remote is top of your list. Electrical Power Generation...go into that if you want to make money.
Flat rate is for suckers in this day and age. Going on 16 years experience and I don’t get flat rate. I was gonna quit my current job one month in @ flat rate. They switched me to hourly w/OT while everyone is locked in at flat rate. I don’t know why techs take the crappy end of the stick when you are the one that possesses the skill for the trade. Know your worth!
I think the flat rate wage is designed for the employer to win and the tech to get scraps for his labor. Thank you for your comment.
Bro you have to make more videos I’m 32 and bout to get into the field I’m trying to get top pay a soon as possible not scared to put in the work I need guidance
Trust me brother. I'm going to be posting content like crazy. I want to give you every advantage I can. I will be finishing a master class in diesel diag and electrical troubleshooting and I will have a lot more content on how to specialize and what you have to know to do be in a position to be invaluable. Keep an eye on the channel brother. I here to help in any way I can.
Already sub and hit the bell notification thanks for your advise God bless
@@iswinguillen8159what field did you choose and how are you getting your training? I also wanna start out in diesel tech field but I don't know how. Did you join an apprentice program or did you join a school?
@iswinguillen8159 if you want the highest pays usually are the mechanics that fix semi truck and tractors. FedEx and ups pay very good. I will go to transit buses in my city Houston. I think is more benefits and less physical work
I have added a few more about sensors, what content would be helpful to you.
I got hired 2 months ago as a fleet mechanic for the largest personal transportation in SWFL. I got hired at $27/hr, base pay for my position is $25. Before this job I had no formal experience in HDD but 3.5 years in auto. Mostly European/Domestic/JDM
I’m 21 years old. There’s money to be made but don’t be afraid to say no to the wrong opportunity
@@LukeLimascan you afford to live on 27 an hour. Can you buy a house and rase a family on 35 an hour?
Well said
Flat rate needs to be 50% of shop rate (like it used to) and the times used to be ok, now ridiculous (and manufacturers wont tell you how they arrived at those times) until then the mechanic shortage will get much worse.
agreed. Too many people making big money for contributing little to shop profitability. mechanics catch and kill and the shop owner eats.
I’m an apprentice rn. Told my boss I’m shifting down to part time at my shop to go to engineering school. I feel like this industry just isn’t worth the struggle.
Is it ok with you if I use this as a video, and will you watch it? @@danielclipper931
I have some encouraging words but it will take more than a couple of lines of text.@@danielclipper931
@@danielclipper931 ruclips.net/video/DU52ZiQ-nU4/видео.html
Flat rate only gets profit with experience. Rookie mechanics aren't beating the book time. 3 hour fuel pumps might take a rookie 4 hours and only get paid 3. Flat rate mechanics also don't get paid for comebacks. So we make sure to fix it right the first time.
I understand the comment. However I think it could all be fixed if we got paid - 65$ an hour at 87% billable and do away with flate rate drama. Shop are billing 250 an hour in Denver. Even if a pump takes 4 to be done right. It should pay the tech well to do the repair well, not fast. Fast is never the best. Also service departments to a trash job on customer pay and wty to recoup the Technician/Mechanics labor invested in a solid repair. That's because the only one who knows about trucks is not in the office and often not able to speak to customers. Many issues affect the trades. Flat rate should be done away with. Also, why is the customer paying for labor you didn't use? That has always been a question. Thank you for your comment and for your perspective.
@americandieselllc2966 yes I hate flat rate too but it is based all on book time. I did quit flat rate when the economy crashed. 2010 honest flat rate techs couldn't make a living. Waiting for work to come through the door paid zero.
@@americandieselllc You want 135k per year to be a mechanic? Damn! Average labor rate in Panama City FL is around 120 per hour. That is like CFO pay.
@@arthurkineard7356 yes. If ups drivers are making 160.
You don't see things like this forcing inflation. If everyone makes 150k a happy meal is going to be $25. The world has gone crazy. @@americandieselllc
Interesting point of flat rate. We’ve had guys come here for plumbing, they stretch the time to run the bills up. We’ve had other tradesman charge us 160 just to change a part in 15 minutes which is a lot but at least we know the job was done right. At least be honest with us
I appreciate the comment.
How can i get started in this? I cannot afford to go to uti, ideally i want to join an apprenticeship program
I will be doing a live steam and building content into a course. You welcome to text 719 580 5712 and we can schedule a no cost conversation about your goals in the field. and I can give you the direction you need to not spin your wheels. skills equal money but some skills equal more money.
I am posting more about how to diagnose sensors. I would be happy to teach on any subject about diesel or electrical. Let me know what would be most helpful.
If you send your email to me I have some stuff I can make available for you. No cost. It is good material but not edited well. I will have something else that is comprehensive and polished and I'm sure we can work out a way to get you thru the course. Only you can gain the information to have the $$$$ choices available.
@@americandieselllc I don't live in the USA tho :(
John Deere dealers have options open for young guys beginning career. Paid-for education if you sign a contract
In 2020 I used to work at kw making shit and had to quit over a drug test then from there on I ended up hitting up everyone I could to look for side work and finally got some traction and customers and now I’m doing 40k a month on a good month. Never in the last 10 years did I think I could be making that a month on my way own but when you really want to do something you will do it. I hope someone reads this and starts there own ventures. It’s very possible if you hustle. Also make sure you have a good Google listing 👍🏽
Thats an amazing story brother. We have all the earning power. not a building or a boss.
I just left a International dealership and started my own mobile tractor trailer repair. How do I get the work flowing in?
@@phillippeterson9527 your welcome to email testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com . it may take a few minutes to line you out. I can make some video about that as well.
Put yourself on Google. Create ad campaigns. Hire someone if you don’t feel like learning how to do it. And take any job you can get cause that’s how you learn.
@@Joseph-wc7sx you don't learn on the customers dime. That never works out. Stick to what you do well and you will see huge gains. Spread yourself too thin and it will be a much different start.
Fleet isn't that bad, you get paid for every hour your there plus you get overtime, steady work, there's some fleet guys making 100k. Plus benefits paid vacation and advancement if you get in with a good company
I have a video highest paid mechanics. I actually love working for a fleet. I'm a Marine and that is where I started and first student school bus company. It is nice to hear that some guys are making that. I don't think the pay represents what the fleet mechanic saves the company by doing sometimes, major work in house. Instead of paying the dealership to take those jobs. I think fleets don't spend the money for shop tools and are mechanics are often buying tools the shop should own. Often fleet management gets bonuses off of what they didn't spend on the shop. Thank you very much for you insight and comment. And fleets are a great place to learn without the pressure of people keeping "secrets" from less experienced guys.
@@americandieselllc yeah definitely think they get overlooked
Commenting on the video for the algorithm
Thank you! You get it.
Flat rate is fine and has to work out to 500.00 per hour for the tech. Why, because they are like athletes and wore out by the time they are 45.
ORGANIZE!!!or stop whining about flat rates or whatever.if every tech walks out of every dealership tomorrow they could almost name their pay.wouldnt be hard to ORGANIZE either with Facebook and social media connecting everyone.is their not a auto mechanics union or something to join.ORGANIZE! they'll tell one person whining about pay to hit the road but they can't tell all of them that.theres power in numbers.ORGANIZE!!or you'll always get what you've always got.
This channel is an attempt to empower others by having them see the value they have when skilled. I could not agree more that organizations would help. But knowing personal value does not include a team backing you. Skills speak for themselves and good people have the option to leave and won't have to go long without a smart employer to see the value. I push people to work for themselves because then at least you're in control of your own success or failure. Any business model in the modern time is a clear use of your skills and a small cut to you for doing most of the work. And I would say that speaking on a topic is not whining.
You didn't mention airline A&P mechanics . hey are doing well
ruclips.net/video/3DLC4yfCHOU/видео.html
Medical equipment mechanic makes more than elevator mech.
How many medical equipment techs are there? Great comment
Get ready cause all these sandals truck drivers don’t even carry a screwdriver.
I'm here for everyone brother. I hope that the driver's get wise to the channel. I know I can save them a ton of cash with this channel.
Definitely not boat/yacht mechanics. I switched to automotive and make 33% more.
I don't know if that is solid across the board. I know that boat engine technician have a very good pay, per diem and benefits. Car mechanics working the flat rate hustle can make a bunch.
@@americandieselllc I spent 20 years in the marine industry. I worked for large and small organizations. Worked for one premier sportfishing yacht manufacturers in the US. I have many friends still in that field. Per hour wage is in my experience higher in automotive for a skilled technician.
Mechanics will never get rich working for someone else.
Bro im a precision millwright. Im not the highest paid but up there. I live in south east ga for pay scale in area. I make 51 hr there are no auto mechanics thay work for a company making what i make out here. We are the highest paid mechanical teade, and one of the highest paid trades in the world. Look into it. All you young fellas learn to be a millwright we need you, and youll be in such high demand it wont be funny. I keave a job and get more money and new job in a day. Love current job will retire from here. Also a lot of pur guys end up running plants or mills the good ones anyway, and your looking at 200-300k in lower wage areas more in places like California and new york, but realistically who the fuck wants to live there with a trade that you can live anywhere you want.
That is an outright lie that people working flat rate are charging for work, not performed. You hired a plumber to come in and plumb your house, and and he said the job would cost $500 and he did it in a day and the job was done correctly and you agreed to it is that screwing somebody
No it is a fact. And flat rate is going to provide the worst quality so you get paid and on to the next. Flat reate repair are never done with quality in mind. The greatest regard is given to speed.
Flat rate system could be great. One of the problems is the shop takes to much of the hourly charge.
Just because you can do a job faster does not mean you charge less. You had to learn the hard way and invest into tooling to be faster.
Just because you are slower you don't get to charge more because you have not learned the hard way or invested into tooling to make you faster.
The shop rates should go up as well as the wages. Agreed. How do you charge an hourly labor rate and finish in two hours but charge him 4 hours. I understand the struggle to be good but you wage should dictate your worth. Not how many hours you can get the customer to pay for extra labor money for work not done. I think if the pay went up you would have many happy mechanics. Who wanted to deliver a good product and not be in a hurry up and sacrifice quality. I respect flat rate mechanics ability to adapt and survive. But the bottom line is higher shop rates and higher wages for the industry.
@americandieselllc2966 The other question is, how can you charge him for 6 hours when the job should take 4 hours. Should the customer pay you to learn?
How would you quote a job if you charge by the hour, not the flat rate?
Going to an hourly system would benefit the mechanic a lot, which shops and customers would protest.
@@davekohler5957 SRT is used for estimates. Standard repair times. It may vary a bit but in diesel truck industry it is all pretty standard repair times. . For example it should be a 6 hour job to remove and rebuild any Horton fan hub. 3 hrs to remove and replace. If the guy is done early then we do the job for what it took. And the customers returns because you didn't need the whole amount on the estimate and you did him a solid.
Senior aircraft mechanics probably get paid the most lol that's my two cents by bye 😂
how much do they make? I dont doubt that at all. thanks for the comment.
I am seeing 48k to 113k. elevator guys are at 5-60 an hour. I should have gone the elevator route, it would have been faster, lol
elevator are 97 median. 137 k top end.
I'm fresh less than a year out of school AMT making 35 an hour, with a 15% pay bump on the horizon. Avionics technicians make 6 figures, they're up there at the top with elevator techs. The average age of an airframe and powerplant certified mechanic is mid 50's. They're hurting for people bad so pay has really gone up fast and those figures probably haven't caught up yet.@@americandieselllc
Geat job brother! I just looked online for the averages, and I have known about elevator techs for some time. What is the buy in $ up front? schools, tools and additional cost to be making 35 an hour? if you dont mind my asking.@@Steinerrides
Is 24 to old to start this career I have no mechanical experience
24 is a great age to start. I would prefer to hire a 24 year old over a younger guy. If you have an interest in this career than the time you spend on your skills will be of high value. So many people have left the trades that whoever stay will be a paid guy. My recommendation is to specialize in electrical and Diagnostics.
I can provide lengthy instruction on any subject that relates to diesel or electrical. let me know what you need more knowledge about.
@@americandieselllc my class started Tuesday we are focused on safety right now then moving on to the hand tools chapter
@@americandieselllc how can i fix a "truck door open" light on my 2021 silverado 1500 LT
email me at testyourselfdiesel@gmail.com @@1lowtrade
Crane mechanics by far are high paid
I have found that people working hourly are lazy and they don’t give two hoots about the quality of their work
Your way way way off base on flat rate there is a book and estimated time if you will you should be pretty close to book time when you do a job if I’m a manager and I give someone a four hour job and it’s done in an hour I’m gonna ask a few questionsand I’m definitely going to check the car out
The fact is that the shop mechs don't determine the jobs and usually it's one flate rate tech getting fed the money and every other guy isn't. Managers are the people responsible for any profiting business. In the trades one of the least technically sound people in the shop is usually in charge of profitability of the shop.
Your view of Flat rate vs hourly is skewed because you are in the heavy diesel field. There is almost zero flat-rate in that field. You say an hourly guy has to have a certain efficiency rating. Where does this number come from? Who decides how long a job should take? With flat rate, the book sets the time. A 5 hour job in SC is a 5 hour labor time job in California if using reputable labor guide. Around 15 minute mark you mention basically whether the tech has ethics. Educate yourself to KNOW how to perform a quality repair. The pay plan has nothing to do with that. Either you are honest or a crook.
Having said all the above, I prefer a salary. Last @ $1200 week for 40ish hours. While I was fully capable of doing bumper-to-bumper repair, frequently ended up being the diag guy. I like doing that work tho. Retired Mar 2020.
I see several jobs offering a flat rate pay for diesel on indeed and I have heard far more of it in the last 4 years since you retired. You are right that this was not the case for the longest time in hd diesel. The metric for efficiency is spoken about on almost every video. hours worked vs hours billed equals efficiency. The pay or keeping your job will depend on the quality of repair. as well as raises. Lastly, I really hope you enjoy your retirement my friend. I know that if you were a wrench that you definitely earned every bit. Well done brother.
Technician for 35 years now and have worked on everything from cars, trucks, boats, RV, powersports, heavy equipment, ect, I have always been extremely good with electrical and diagnostics, I have recently in the past year been handed over twenty Tesla cars and have figured out every aspect of these cars and I really enjoy working on them, I want to go on my own as an electrical and diagnostic specialist. I think the future is in electrical for every kind of vehicle, has been for a long time now, and I think that if guys are looking for a place to specialize in then you really need to master electrical and data communication within the vehicles, I see that most guys out there really struggle with electrical because they don't understand it and are afraid of it, really it is the simplest aspect to master if you put you mind to it.
Great comment. I could not agree more.
Like and subscribe the channel for more. I want other guys to keep hearing comments like these. Being a specialist in electrical systems is always a challenge and something new every day. But the process to troubleshoot is always the same. I hope to be helpful to those guys up and coming to see that analytical minds have a big place in the shops of the future.
Union fleet hourly